Stay ConnectedSarah’s Bookshelves Live is a bi-weekly show featuring real talk about books and book recommendations from a featured guest. Each week, Sarah of the blog Sarah’s Bookshelves will talk with her guest about:
– 2 OLD BOOKS THEY LOVE
– 2 NEW BOOKS THEY LOVE
– 1 BOOK THEY DON’T LOVE
– AND 1 NEW RELEASE THEY’RE EXCITED ABOUT
I’m getting real about all things books and serving you up a bit of snark on the side.
Copyright: © Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves
Our 2022 year-end reading roundup continues today with our Best Books of 2022 Genre Awards with Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits). We reveal our Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and we have a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Backlist Read in 2022, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, this year I'm sharing the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah's Bookshelves Live Patreon community! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcements Check out my 2022 Holiday Gift Guide! My 2023 Reading Tracker is out! This year, the Tracker will ONLY be available to $7/month Superstars patrons (i.e., I will no longer be selling it for $14.99 here on my website). Learn more about the Tracker here and become a Superstars Patron to purchase here! Highlights My thoughts on 2022 for the podcast — including top episodes based on download stats. Overview of Susie's and Sarah's 2022 year in reading — including trends and stats. Favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Patreon Community's picks. 2022 Genre Awards [18:13] Sarah The Measure by Nikki Erlick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:42] Finding Me by Viola Davis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:18] The Golden Season by Madeline Kay Sneed | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:39] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:19] Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:36] Dilettante by Dana Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:35] Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:27] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:53] Bad City by Paul Pringle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:27] Never Simple by Liz Sheier | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:20] The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:01] Upgrade by Blake Crouch | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:52] More Than You'll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:22] The One by John Marrs | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:51] Susie Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:04] Solito by Javier Zamora | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:53] Vladimir by Julia May Jonas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:15] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:53] Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:10] Cover Story by Susan Rigetti | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:21] Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:16] Trust by Hernan Diaz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:16] Dilettante by Dana Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:45] Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:57] The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:24] The Measure by Nikki Erlick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:59] The Change by Kirsten Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:07] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:57] Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:48] All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:44] We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:49] The Storyteller by Dave Grohl | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:08] Patrons Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:06] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:14] Finding Me by Viola Davis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:41] Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:11] Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:21] Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:17] Bad City by Paul Pringle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:53] Finding Me by Viola Davis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:33] Book Lovers by Emily Henry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:06] Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:36] The Measure by Nikki Erlick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:31] Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:46] Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:23] Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:43] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:00] All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:04] Beartown by Fredrik Backman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:54] Other Books Mentioned Love & Saffron by Kim Fay [9:41] People Person by Candice Carty-Williams [9:51] Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley [11:09] Flight by Lynn Steger Strong [11:12] Trespasses by Louise Kennedy [11:13] The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab [20:45] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [20:53] Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid [23:36] The Winners by Fredrik Backman [23:47] Bomb Shelter by Mary Laura Philpott [25:50] I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy [25:57] Honor by Thrity Umrigar [29:40] Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson [29:50] The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka [29:53] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid [30:44] Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt [35:47] The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [39:17] The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell [42:04] These Precious Days by Ann Patchett [43:38] How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis, LPC [44:42] Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid [47:13] Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez [49:19] The Bodyguard by Katherine Center [49:22] Dark Matter by Blake Crouch [50:02] Recursion by Blake Crouch [50:03] The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger [51:50] How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu [52:22] Babel by R. F. Huang [52:42] A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross [53:55] The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna [54:03] Hide by Kiersten White [54:25] Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon [55:38] Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez [57:54] The Cartographers by Peng Shepard [58:14] The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes [1:00:27] The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes [1:00:31] Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow [1:02:24] These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant [1:04:20] Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh [1:04:36] Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer [1:04:44]
Full show notes at the publisherOur 2022 year-end reading roundup starts today with Best Books of 2022 Superlatives with Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits). This year, we're splitting our wrap-up into two episodes: Superlatives and Genre Awards (coming in mid-December). We have 17 Superlatives categories for you, including Most and Least Deserving of the Hype, Biggest Surprise, the Book I Hated that Everyone Else Loved, and more!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
AnnouncementsSarah
Susie
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend's blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.
In the Fall 2022 Book Preview, Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I shared our 16 most-anticipated books that released mid-August – December 2022. In today's episode, we're going to circle back to update you on the books we've had a chance to read — or at least attempt.
This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsSarah's Picks:
August
Catherine's Picks:
September
Sarah's Pick:
Catherine's Picks:
October
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Pick:
November
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Pick:
December
Sarah's Pick:
Catherine's Pick:
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.
In Episode 126, audiobook producer Karen Dziekonski from Penguin Random House Audio joins me for today's deep-dive discussion. Karen takes us behind the scenes from the growth of audiobooks in the industry to the ins and outs of how audiobooks are produced. Plus, Karen shares her audiobook recommendations!
This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsTwo OLD Audiobooks She Loves
Two NEW Audiobooks She Loves
How She Feels About Talking About Books She DOESN'T Love [48:40]
One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About
Last 5-Star Book Karen Read
The Maid by Nita Prose | Amazon | Bookshop.org | Libro.fm [52:57]
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Karen Dziekonski, VP, Audio Production for the Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, has been an influential member of the audiobook industry for over twenty years. Starting at Random House in 2000, Karen has produced thousands of audiobooks and forged strong collaborations with bestselling and debut authors, celebrities, and professional narrators. An excellent problem-solver and active collaborator, Karen leads a team of elite, award-winning producers in the day-to-day operation of one of the most successful audio publishers in the United States. She lives on Long Island, New York, with her chef husband and two daughters.
In Episode 125, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I are back for our 2nd annual Debuts Special. Today we're sharing our favorite debut novels from 2022 (so far)! Plus, we discuss our reading stats for debuts this year and we talk about some upcoming sophomore novels (and their debuts) that are on our radar.
This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsSarah
Susie
Sarah
Susie
Sarah
Susie
Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend's blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.
Candice Carty-Williams joins me for a spoiler-free discussion of her sophomore novel, People Person. In People Person, Candice writes about serious issues in a light-hearted way that's full of dry humor. She explores questions of obligation to family — especially family to whom you were not previously close. Plus, Candice shares her book recommendations!
This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsTwo OLD Books She Loves
Two NEW Books She Loves
One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About
Last 5-Star Book Candice Read
Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:05]
Candice Carty-Williams is a writer and the author of the Sunday Times (London) bestselling Queenie, which was been shortlisted by Goodreads for book of the year in 2019. In 2016, Candice created and launched the Guardian and 4th Estate BAME Short Story Prize, the first inclusive initiative of its kind in book publishing. Candice has written for The Guardian, i-D, Vogue, every iteration of The Sunday Times (London), Beat magazine, Black Ballad, and more. She will probably always live in South London.
In Episode 123, Nikki Erlick joins me to discuss (spoiler-free!) her debut novel, The Measure, and share her book recommendations. A both otherworldly and of our time story, in a symbolic way rather than a literal way. The Measure will absolutely be one of my favorite books of 2022!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsTwo OLD Books She Loves
Two NEW Books She Loves
One Genre of Books She DOESN'T LOVE [36:33]
One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About
Last 5-Star Book Nikki Read
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:51]
Nikki Erlick is a writer and editor whose work has appeared on the websites of New York magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Newsweek, Cosmopolitan, the Huffington Post, Indagare Travel, BookTrib, and the Verge. As a travel writer, she explored nearly a dozen countries on assignment—from rural villages in France to the arctic fjords of Norway. As a ghostwriter, she has lent her voice to CEOs, academics, and entrepreneurs. She graduated Harvard University summa cum laude and is a former editor of the Harvard Crimson. She earned a master's degree in global thought from Columbia University. The Measure is her first novel.
Double Booked is a monthly series, available to my Superstars patrons, where a co-host and I each share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show (2 old books we love, 2 new books we love, 1 book we didn't love, and 1 upcoming release we're excited about). In these more candid episodes, I talk more about my own reading, and share tons of books that I don't share on any other public forum. Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and Susie from Novel Visits alternate months co-hosting with me.
This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
As a Superstars patron, you'll get access to the Double Booked monthly bonus podcast series Double Booked, Summer Shelves (the annual companion to my Summer Reading Guide) my annual Rock Your Reading Tracker. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here!
HighlightsTwo OLD Books They Love
Sarah:
Catherine:
Two NEW Books They Love
Sarah:
Catherine:
One Book They DIDN'T LOVE
One NEW RELEASE They Are Excited About
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.
Welcome to the Fall 2022 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! In this episode, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing mid-August through December.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
AnnouncementsAugust
Sarah's Pick:
Catherine's Picks:
September
Sarah's Pick:
Catherine's Picks:
October
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Pick:
November
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Pick:
December
Sarah's Pick:
Catherine's Pick:
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.
In Episode 120, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I circle back to the books we shared in the Summer 2022 Book Preview — now that we've actually had a chance to read them. Returning to our 12 summer releases, we take a look at what worked and what didn't. Also, with both of our personal lives demanding more of our attention lately, our reading lives have definitely been impacted.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsSarah's Picks:
June
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Picks:
July
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Picks:
August
Catherine's Pick:
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
